EE-3 "Jararaca" light
wheeled armored reconnaissance vehicle was developed by Brazilian company
"Engesa" at the end of 70-ties. Vehicle is intended for
reconnaissance and patrolling. Furthermore it was intended to use as a
self-propelled chassis base, fitted with anti-tank or anti-aircraft guided
missile complexes. EE-3 is serially produced by "Engesa" company
since 1980. It is used with Brazilian armored forces and is exported to a
number of African and Latin-American countries.

Driving compartment is
placed at the front, combat compartment - at the middle, and engine
compartment is placed at the rear part of the hull. Vehicle crew consists
from driver, commander, and signaler-observer.

"Jararaca" has a
full closed armored hull, made from multi-layer welded armor, also used
with other "Engesa" company wheeled armored vehicles. Such armor
is made from two layers of steel: external layer is rigid, while internal
layer is less rigid, but more tough. Brazilian research showed that such
armor design increases vehicles armored defense. Such defense additionally
protects crew from vehicles armor shells, appearing after direct hit of
anti-tank gun, guided missile, or grenade launcher.

Driving compartment is
fitted with three periscope observation devices. Driver gets to his
compartment threw a hatch in the roof. Rotating commander's turret is
placed behind the driving compartment in the right side from vehicles
central axis. Commander's turret is also fitted with three periscope
observation devices. 12.7-mm machine gun is mounted on the turret roof.
Machine gun can be fired distantly from the inside of the turret. Signaler's-observers
seat is placed left from the commander's turret. Signaler has it's
separate hatch. Besides "Jararaca" has entrance threw armored
door placed in the middle of the left board.

"Jararaca's"
chassis has 4 x 4 wheel formula. Frontal wheels are directing. Wheels have
independent suspension, based on springs and hydraulic absorbers. Vehicle
is fitted with a wider dimension tyres with developed protector pattern
and centralized air pressure system.